THE first coronavirus death in three weeks has been recorded at University Hospital Southampton Trust, the latest figures show.

NHS England figures show 200 people had died in hospital at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm on Tuesday, October 6.

That was an increase of one compared to the 199 that had been recorded at the same point on Monday, and the first death in 21 days.

The victims were among 3,618 deaths recorded across the South East.

Of 25 trusts within the region, University Hospital Southampton trust has the sixth-highest death toll.

Daily death counts are revised each day, with each case backdated to the actual date of death.

This means some of the deaths that were first recorded in the latest period may actually have taken place days earlier.

NHS England guidance states: "Confirmation of Covid-19 diagnosis, death notification and reporting in central figures can take up to several days and the hospitals providing the data are under significant operational pressure."

Only deaths that occur in hospitals where the patient has tested positive for Covid-19 are recorded, with deaths in the community excluded, such as those in care homes.

The news comes after Hampshire residents were urged to remain vigilant as the number of coronavirus cases across the county continues to rise.

A total of 258 Covid-19 cases were recorded across the Hampshire County Council area in the seven days up to October 5.

This brings the total of cases in the area to 6,251.

He added: "This community spirit is one of Southampton’s greatest strengths.

"It has seen us through two world wars, economic crashes and emergencies in the past and I’m certain it will do so again.

"The number of reported cases has also gone up in Southampton in the past week."

According to data published by Southampton City Council, 94 new cases were recorded in the city last week.

This is 59 more cases than the week before.

Cllr Christopher Hammond, Leader of Southampton City Council, said in a letter it has been "amazing" to see Southampton residents "playing their part and supporting each other to get through the coronavirus pandemic".